Lead Counselor

Lead Counselor:

Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and the leading provider of opioid addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders. With over 110 locations in 22 states, our team of more than 1,900 employees serves over 42,000 patients.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

The key responsibilities of the Lead Counselor include but not limited to:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct alcohol and drug abuse counseling sessions on a regular basis per state regulation, or as part of the individual treatment plan
• Conduct group counseling sessions as required
• Orient patients to the treatment program’s operation and procedures
• Collect available social, educational, economic, and vocational information to be used as part of the assessment process
• Implement or revise patient treatment plans with the patient as required per state regulation and record a review of the patient’s progress according to BHG policy
• Develop within (10) days of entry or as required by state guidelines, whichever is more stringent, a formal treatment plan documenting patient goals and update utilizing the same guidelines.
• Maintain patient records that are complete, comprehensive and well organized
• Submit records for periodic review as requested by supervisory team
• Document all patient contacts. If other team members provide services to the patient, the assigned counselor is responsible to see that such contacts are documented in the patient’s chart
• Make appropriate referrals through case-management services and perform necessary follow-up
• Assist the Program Director in implementing new programs into patient treatment
• Advise the Program Director of problems encountered with caseload management and schedules
• Attend weekly treatment team meetings prepared to both lead the discussion where appropriate and discuss his/her assigned individual patient caseload
• Provide in-service trainings to counselors and other treatment center team members as needed
• Hold a basic understanding of alcohol/drug abuse and addiction. Additionally, keep up-dated on current drug abuse and treatment information, especially current trends in Opioid Maintenance Treatment
• Provide intake/readmission services, including several weeks of supportive follow-up counseling for new patients until their assignment to a primary counselor
• Provide, monitor, and document follow-up calls/contact to all discharging patients for at least 30 days
• Provide crisis intervention/support services to patients assigned to other counselors when their primary counselor is unavailable
• Provide inter-agency reports/documentation required for third party reimbursement, criminal justice proceedings, supplemental income assessments, emergency services, and other specialized treatment needs of patients as applicable
• Coordinate care with other community providers as needed
• Meet BHG attendance standards and be present and ready for work at the beginning of their established work schedule
• Performs OBOT services as required
• Report any work-related injury or illness, or workplace hazards or security issues immediately to supervisor
• Other duties as assigned by supervisory team

Regulatory

• Responsible for complying with all federal, state and local regulatory agency requirements
• Responsible for complying with all accrediting agencies
• Marketing and Outreach
• Participate in community and public relations activities as assigned.
• Professional Development
• Responsible for the achievement of assigned specific annual goals and objectives
• Responsible for mentoring and training counseling team members regarding best practices in counseling and skills necessary to engage patients in treatment
• Demonstrates the belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing
• Demonstrates hope, respect, and caring in all interactions with patients and fellow Team Members
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships in the workplace
• Can work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Makes decisions and uses good judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
• Deals appropriately with others in stressful or other undesirable situations

Training

• Participate in and provide in-service trainings as required by federal, state, local, and accrediting agencies
• Attend conferences, meetings and training programs as directed
• Participate in and/or schedule and attend regular in-service trainings

Other

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Minimum Requirements

The Lead Counselor must comply with federal and state regulations regarding certification, licensure and degree. In addition to meeting the qualifications, the ideal candidate will embody the following characteristics and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below:

Qualifications

The Lead Counselor must have one of the following qualifications.

• Bachelors degree in a related field
• CADC(Certified Substance Abuse Counselor)
• LCDP (Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional)
• LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
• LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

In addition to meeting the qualifications, the ideal candidate will embody the following characteristics and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below:

• High integrity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound judgment
• Efficient
• Self-starter
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and under pressure while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to make decisions and use proper judgment with confidential and sensitive issues
• Ability to deal appropriately with patient and team members in stressful or other undesirable situations and to seek direction from supervisors when necessary
• Demonstrate basic computer/word processing skills
• Must be able to react quickly and make effective decisions
• Ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of human behavior to show potential for rehabilitating drug dependent patients
• Must have sufficient knowledge of the substance abuse population, treatment planning and the field of human social services to work toward the rehabilitation of the patient community

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions to the extent such accommodation does not create an undue hardship on the business.

• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes.
• Vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.
• Prolonged sitting, some bending, stooping, or stretching
• Variable workload, periodic high stress and activity level
• Standard medical office conditions and environments
• Interactions with patients who may be ill, have infectious diseases, have mental health diagnoses and/or are involved in the criminal justice system
• Keyboarding for long periods of time

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of team members so classified. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, and this job description may be updated at any time.

BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Why Join BHG?

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.

Investment in Your Growth: Prioritize your development with role-based training and advancement opportunities.

Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and competitive 401K match.

Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.

Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.

At BHG, we thrive on the greatness of our people. Join us and become part of a community that values excellence, integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others.

BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.